Fastnacht costumes

January 3, 2013 8:55 AM

What are the names of these Fastnacht characters?

I assume these are stock characters, just like the better known Schiachperchten and Hopfennar. This picture was taken in 1939, BTW.

posted by Chrischris to society & culture (3 answers total)

Frazer describes similar figures as the Shrovetide Bear and Carnival Fool, though their German names aren't listed. The next few pages after that link describe variations on the custom, including a person wrapped all in straw.
posted by jquinby at 9:10 AM on January 3

Frazer describes similar figures as the Shrovetide Bear and Carnival Fool, though their German names aren't listed.

Unsurprisingly, it's Straw Bear.
posted by zamboni at 9:22 AM on January 3 [1 favorite]

Strohbären, got it. Thanks so much!
posted by Chrischris at 9:27 AM on January 3